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PyeongChang 2018 Olympics Curling - Medal Predictions, TV Networks

This page offers analysis and predictions for the curling events at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. In addition of the men's and women's competition, mixed curling will be contested for the first time. The 2018 PyeongChang Olympics (curling) is scheduled for February 8-25.

✪ For the first time at the Olympics, mixed doubles will be contested. Aside from the positioning of the stones, the rules and strategies are similar to regular curling. Switzerland, Russia (OAR) and Hungary are the most successful countries in mixed doubles with 10 world titles between them. However, some of the top curling countries did not take mixed doubles seriously until it was added to the Games. Thus, we need to account for teams that historically perform well in both men's and women's curling.

✪ Canada has dominated men's curling in recent time, winning the last three Olympic golds and the last two world championships. Moreover, they are sending a top team to PyeongChang; skipper Kevin Koe has two world titles on his resume. Canada is clearly the odds-on favorite to defend its Olympic gold medal. Sweden, which has been Canada's main rival at the world championship, is also a medal contender.

✪ On the women's side, there is huge rivalry between Canada and Sweden. The two countries have combined to win four of the five contested gold medals at the Olympics. Canada is the defending champion, while Sweden won the previous two. We expect the two teams to be in the mix again for the coveted title. Since this year's Games in on Asian soil, the expectation is that an Asian team might finish on the podium. There are three Asian teams in this field including host South Korea. China is the most accomplished of the three, but Japan is a rising star in international curling and probably the best bet for a medal.